For many women, a visit to the local hair salon is much more than just to get a haircut. Ask just about any woman and they’ll likely tell you that they would be devastated if their hair stylist were to move away. If it’s within driving distance, many women will arrange to stay on with their favorite stylist — at least until another one is found.

Hair stylists and their clients form a  relationship that is unlike any other.

Conversations can range from the weather, kids, men, hairstyles, past and future surgeries, shopping, vacations, and everything in between. Routine appointments are also the perfect avenue to catch up on the local gossip.

Hope Copeland, 42, has owned Flaunt Salon for 15 years. She has been in the industry since attending beauty school in high school and has developed wonderful friendships over the years with clients, as well as her colleagues.

Visits to a salon are a treat for many women. On average, she said clients schedule appointments every six weeks and spend from 1½ to 2 hours for a cut and color.

“Clients come in and they shut their cell phone off; they don’t want to be bothered while they’re here,” she said. “They’ll tell you their troubles and heartaches. We try to just be good listeners.”

Stylists and others at her salon work on the goal of always making it about the client. “We make them feel special for 1½ hours. Many of them are moms, or they work stressful jobs.”

Copeland has heard just about everything in her 24 years as a hair stylist. Clients reveal deep secrets, sometimes about their personal relationships, and, if asked, she will offer advice. But for the most part, “I listen. I try to be that good friend that will just listen.”

One of Copeland’s longtime clients is Sharon Light, of Fenton Township. Light began having Copeland style her hair before she owned Flaunt. When Copeland left her former salon, Light followed. “She treats me like a princess,” said Light.

When Light was busy working full-time, Copeland worked around her schedule. Now that she is retired, Copeland continues to accommodate her schedule.

“She’s extremely talented,” Light said. “We talk about everything.

“Hope understands my hair. She understands when I need something new.”

As with many client/stylist relationships, Light and Copeland talk about movie stars and TV shows, solve political problems and talk about family and events.

finding a stylist

Your best bet might be by asking a total stranger. If you see someone on the street or at the grocery store that has a cut that you like, just stop him or her and ask. They’ll be flattered that you asked.  Read More…